Meaning
A Hebrew proper name traditionally understood to mean “pleasantness” or “pleasant.”
Biblical Usage
Naomi was the wife of Elimelech and the mother of Mahlon and Chilion. She left Bethlehem with her family and went to Moab because of a famine. After the deaths of Elimelech and her two sons, she returned to Bethlehem with Ruth.
In Bethlehem, Naomi advised Ruth concerning Boaz and later became the grandmother of Obed through Ruth and Boaz. The women of Bethlehem recognized Naomi’s restored family circumstances when Obed was born.
Key References
- Ruth 1:1-5
- Ruth 1:19-22
- Ruth 2:1-23
- Ruth 3:1-18
- Ruth 4:13-17
Related Terms
- Ruth
- Boaz
- Elimelech
- Obed
- Bethlehem